Optical device and augmented reality providing device

ABSTRACT

An optical device includes a lens including a reflective mirror, a display module on at least one side surface of the lens and configured to display an image, and a dynamic prism module between the display module and the lens and configured to receive the image. The dynamic prism module is configured to be dynamically turned on or off to provide the received image to different positions of the reflective mirror.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2018-0160255, filed on Dec. 12, 2018, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an optical device andaugmented reality providing apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

The term “augmented reality” refers to a technology of superimposing avirtual image on a user's view of the real world image and displayingthe superimposed image as a single image. The virtual image may be animage in the form of text or graphics, and the real image is informationon real objects observed in the field of view of the device.

The augmented reality may be implemented by a head mounted display (HMD)or a head-up display (HUD). When the augmented reality is implemented bythe HMD, the HMD is provided in the form of a pair of glasses so that auser easily wears it or carries it.

An augmented reality providing device may include a display device toprovide the virtual image used to implement the augmented reality. Inrecent years, there has been a demand to enlarge an area of the displaydevice, which is seen by the user, that is, a field of view (FOV) of theuser.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an optical device and anaugmented reality providing device having an enlarged field of view of auser without increasing its thickness.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an optical deviceincluding a lens including a reflective member, a display module on atleast one side surface of the lens and configured to display an image,and a dynamic prism module between the display module and the lens andconfigured to receive the image, the dynamic prism module beingconfigured to be dynamically turned on or off to provide the receivedimage to different positions of the reflective member.

The dynamic prism module includes a first electrode, a second electrodefacing the first electrode, a resin layer between the first electrodeand the second electrode and having a reference refractive index, and arefractive index control layer between the first electrode and thesecond electrode, the refractive index control layer being configured tobe turned on or off by an electric field formed between the firstelectrode and the second electrode to vary a refractive index thereof.

The resin layer includes an inclination surface inclined at a firstangle with respect to the first electrode.

The refractive index control layer includes a refractive indexanisotropy material.

The refractive index anisotropy material is a liquid crystal material.

The refractive index control layer has a first refractive index that isequal to the reference refractive index in a turned-off state and has asecond refractive index that is different from the reference refractiveindex in a turned-on state.

When the dynamic prism module is in the turned-off state, the image isprovided to a first position of the reflective member without beingrefracted by the refractive index control layer, and when the dynamicprism module is in the turned-on state, the image is provided to asecond position of the reflective member after being refracted at asecond angle by the refractive index control layer.

The second angle is determined by a difference between the referencerefractive index and the second refractive index and the first angle.

The dynamic prism module includes a plurality of dynamic prism areas.

The resin layer includes a plurality of sub-resin layers respectivelycorresponding to the dynamic prism areas, and the refractive indexcontrol layer includes a plurality of sub-refractive index controllayers respectively corresponding to the plurality of sub-resin layers.

The first electrode includes a plurality of sub-electrodes located torespectively correspond to the sub-resin layers.

The sub-resin layers make contact with the sub-refractive index controllayers to provide a plurality of interfaces to the dynamic prism areas,respectively.

Angles between the first electrode and the interfaces are the same foreach of the dynamic prism areas.

Angles between the first electrode and the interfaces are different fromeach other for each of the dynamic prism areas.

The dynamic prism module is configured to be turned on or off insynchronization with the display module.

The display module is configured to display a first image during a firstperiod of one frame and is configured to display a second image during asecond period of the one frame.

The dynamic prism module is configured to be turned off during the firstperiod to provide the first image to the first position of thereflective member and configured to be turned on during the secondperiod to provide the second image to the second position of thereflective member.

The dynamic prism module includes a first electrode, a second electrodefacing the first electrode, a variable polarizer layer between the firstelectrode and the second electrode and having a polarizing state that isdynamically varied by an electric field formed between the firstelectrode and the second electrode, a resin layer between the secondelectrode and the lens and having a reference refractive index, and arefractive index control layer between the second electrode and thelens.

The resin layer includes an inclination surface inclined at a firstangle with respect to the first electrode.

The optical device further includes a light collecting member configuredto receive the image from the display module and is configured tocollect the image.

The light collecting member is between the display module and thedynamic prism module.

The display module includes an organic light emitting display device.

The display module includes a flexible display module.

The flexible display module is on two or more side surfaces of the lens.

The flexible display module includes two or more display units, and thetwo or more display units respectively correspond to two or more sidesurfaces of the lens.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an optical deviceincluding a lens including a reflective member, a flexible displaymodule on at least one side surface of the lens, configured to display afirst image during a first period, and configured to display a secondimage during a second period, and a dynamic prism module between theflexible display module and the lens, the dynamic prism module beingconfigured to be turned off during the first period in synchronizationwith the flexible display module to provide the first image to a firstposition of the reflective member, and configured to be turned on duringthe second period to refract the second image and provide the secondimage to a second position of the reflective member.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an augmented realityproviding device including a lens including a reflective member, a lightemitting module on at least one side surface of the lens and configuredto emit an image light, and a dynamic prism module between the displaymodule and the lens and configured to receive the image, the dynamicprism module being configured to be dynamically turned on or off toprovide the received image to different positions of the reflectivemember.

According to the above, the optical device providing device may enlargethe area of the display module perceived by the user's eye, e.g., thefield of view

(FOV) of the user, without increasing the thickness of the lens and thedisplay module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features of the subject matter of the presentdisclosure will become readily apparent by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an augmented reality providingdevice according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation of the augmentedreality providing device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a dynamic prism moduleaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing a turned-off state of thedynamic prism module shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing a turned-on state of thedynamic prism module shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation of an augmentedreality providing device according to the turned-off state of thedynamic prism module shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation of an augmentedreality providing device according to the turned-on state of the dynamicprism module shown in FIG. 4B;

FIG. 7A is a waveform diagram showing an operation of a display moduleand a dynamic prism module;

FIG. 7B is a view showing an image perceived by a user according to theoperation of a display module and a dynamic prism module;

FIG. 8A is a plan view showing a display module and a dynamic prismmodule shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8B is a circuit diagram of a pixel shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view showing a display panel according toan exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a dynamic prism moduleaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a dynamic prism moduleaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a dynamic prism moduleaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12A is a view showing a turned-off state of the dynamic prismmodule shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 12B is a view showing a turned-on state of the dynamic prism moduleshown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an augmented reality providingdevice according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the augmented realityproviding device shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an augmented reality providingdevice according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the augmented realityproviding device shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an augmented reality providingdevice according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an augmented reality providingdevice according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an augmented reality providingdevice according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, itcan be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element orlayer or intervening elements or layers may be present.

Like numerals refer to like elements throughout. In the drawings, thethickness, ratio, and dimension of components may be exaggerated forclarity of description.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layersand/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/orsections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only usedto distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section fromanother region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component,region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a secondelement, component, region, layer or section without departing from theteachings of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms,“a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well,unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”,“upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It willbe further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

It will be further understood that the terms “includes” and/or“including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be explained in more detailwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an augmented reality providingdevice ARD1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an operation ofthe augmented reality providing device ARD1 shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the augmented reality providing device ARD1according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includesa lens LM, a display module DD, and a dynamic prism module AP.

The lens LM may be formed of a glass or plastic material to betransparent or semi-transparent. Accordingly, a user may see a realimage through the lens LM. The lens LM may have a set or predeterminedrefractive index by taking into account a user's sight.

The lens LM may have a hexahedron shape defined by two bottom faces andfour side faces, each of which has a quadrangular shape, however, theshape of the lens LM should not be limited thereto or thereby. In someembodiments, the lens LM may have various other suitable shapes. Forexample, the lens LM may have a polyhedron shape defined by two bottomfaces and side faces coupling the two bottom faces, each of which has apolygonal shape. In addition, the lens LM may have other shapes, such asa cylindrical shape, an elliptical-cylindrical shape, a semi-cylindricalshape, or a semi-elliptical cylindrical shape.

The lens LM includes a reflective mirror RM. The reflective mirror RMmay be called a pin mirror. The reflective mirror RM may include a metalmaterial having a high reflectance, such as silver (Ag).

FIG. 1 shows the lens LM including one reflective mirror RM, but thenumber of the reflective mirrors RM should not be limited to one. Forexample, the lens LM may include a plurality of reflective mirrors RM.

The display module DD displays a virtual image to implement an augmentedreality. The display module DD may be on at least one side surface amongthe side surfaces of the lens LM. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the display moduleDD is on one side surface of the lens LM, but it should not be limitedthereto or thereby. For example, the display module DD may be on two ormore side surfaces of the lens LM.

The display module DD may include a display area IDA that displays animage. FIG. 1 shows only one display area IDA, however, the displaymodule DD may include a plurality of display areas.

The reflective mirror RM reflects the virtual image displayed throughthe display module DD so that the virtual image is formed at one pointon a retina of a user's eye HE. Therefore, although the user focuses onthe real image through the lens LM, the user may see the virtual imageclearly as shown in FIG. 2. For example, the user may see the virtualimage clearly even though the user does not move the focus on the realimage to the virtual image.

The reflective mirror RM may have a size smaller than a size of a pupilof the user's eye. For example, a diameter of the reflective mirror RMmay be about 4 mm or less. In this case, because the user focuses on thereal image, it is difficult for the user to recognize the reflectivemirror RM. However, as the size of the reflective mirror RM decreases, abrightness of the virtual image provided to the user's eye HE by thedisplay module DD may decrease. Thus, the size of the reflective mirrorRM may be set by taking into account the brightness of the virtualimage.

In a case where the size of the reflective mirror RM is smaller than thesize of the pupil, the reflective mirror RM has a pin-hole effect.Accordingly, when the virtual image displayed through the display moduleDD is reflected by the reflective mirror RM, a depth of field becomesdeep.

In FIG. 1, the reflective mirror RM has a circular plate shape, however,the reflective mirror RM may include an oval or polygonal plate shaperather than the circular plate shape. In some embodiments, thereflective mirror RM may have a curved shape.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the dynamic prism module AP may be betweenthe display module DD and the lens LM. The dynamic prism module APreceives the image from the display module DD. The dynamic prism moduleAP may be dynamically turned on or off. Accordingly, the dynamic prismmodule AP may provide the received image to different positions of thereflective mirror RM depending on a turned-on or off operation thereof.

In more detail, when the dynamic prism module AP is in a turned-offstate, the image provided to the dynamic prism module AP is input to thereflective mirror RM without being refracted. When the dynamic prismmodule AP is in the turned-on state, the image provided to the dynamicprism module AP is input to the reflective mirror RM after beingrefracted. Therefore, the image may be provided to the differentpositions of the reflective mirror RM depending on the on/off operationof the dynamic prism module AP.

The display module DD may periodically provide different images. In moredetail, the display module DD may provide a first image IM_(A) to thedynamic prism module AP during a turned-off period (OFF) of the dynamicprism module AP and may provide a second image IM_(B) to the dynamicprism module AP during a turned-on period (ON) of the dynamic prismmodule AP.

Accordingly, a direction in which the first image IM_(A) is incidentinto the user's eye HE and a direction in which the second image IM_(B)is incident into the user's eye HE are different from each other due tothe on/off operation of the dynamic prism module AP. The first imageIM_(A) may be projected onto a first position P1 of the retina of theuser's eye HE, and the second image IM_(B) may be projected onto asecond position P2 of the retina of the user's eye HE. Thus, the usermay perceive one image obtained by merging the first image IM_(A) andthe second image IM_(B), which are incident to the user's eye with atime difference, as the virtual image.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a dynamic prism module APaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4Ais a view showing the turned-off state of the dynamic prism module shownin FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a view showing the turned-on state of thedynamic prism module shown in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 4B, the dynamic prism module AP according to theexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a firstelectrode TE1, a second electrode TE2, a resin layer RL, and arefractive index control layer LL.

The first electrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2 are located to faceeach other, and the resin layer RL and the refractive index controllayer LL are between the first electrode TE1 and the second electrodeTE2.

The dynamic prism module AP further includes first base film BF1 andsecond base film BF2. The first electrode TE1 is on one surface of thefirst base film BF1, and the second electrode TE2 is on one surface ofthe second base film BF2. The first base film BF1 and the second basefilm BF2 are to face each other.

Each of the first base film BF1 and the second base film BF2 may be afilm of a transparent polymer resin. A material for the first base filmBF1 and the second base film BF2 should not be particularly limited. Thefirst base film BF1 and the second base film BF2 may be a substrate of aglass or plastic material, which is thin.

Each of the first electrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2 may includea transparent conductive material. Each of the first electrode TE1 andthe second electrode TE2 may include indium tin oxide or indium zincoxide. As another example, each of the first electrode TE1 and thesecond electrode TE2 may include a metal material having a hightransmittance. Voltages may be applied to the first electrode TE1 andthe second electrode TE2, respectively.

When the same voltage is applied to the first electrode TE1 and thesecond electrode TE2, no electric field is formed between the firstelectrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2, and the dynamic prism moduleAP is in the turned-off state. On the contrary, when different voltagesare respectively applied to the first electrode TE1 and the secondelectrode TE2, the electric field is formed between the first electrodeTE1 and the second electrode TE2. The state in which the electric fieldis formed may be defined as the turned-on state of the dynamic prismmodule AP.

As an example, one electrode selected from the first electrode TE1 andthe second electrode TE2 may receive the same reference voltage in theturned-on and turned off states. The other electrode selected from thefirst electrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2 may receive a drivingvoltage having the same level as that of the reference voltage in theturned-off state and may receive a driving voltage having a leveldifferent from that of the reference voltage in the turned-on state.

The resin layer RL may be on the first electrode TE1. The resin layer RLmay include an acrylic-based polymer material. As an example of thepresent disclosure, the resin layer RL may includepolymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate (PC). The resin layer RLmay have a reference refractive index. For example, the referencerefractive index is about 1.49. The resin layer RL includes a surface(hereinafter, referred to as a “first inclination surface”) inclinedwith respect to an upper surface of the first electrode TE1. The firstinclination surface is inclined at a first angle θ1 with respect to thefirst electrode TE1.

The refractive index control layer LL is on the resin layer RL. Therefractive index control layer LL includes a material having arefractive index anisotropy. As an example of the present disclosure,the refractive index control layer LL may be a liquid crystal layerincluding liquid crystal molecules LCM.

The refractive index control layer LL is between the resin layer RL andthe second electrode TE2. The first base film BF1 on which the firstelectrode TE1 and the resin layer RL are formed and the second base filmBF2 on which the second electrode TE2 is formed are coupled to eachother such that the first electrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2face each other. The refractive index control layer LL is formed byinjecting a liquid crystal material into between the first base film BF1and the second base film BF2.

In some embodiments, the dynamic prism module AP may further include asealing layer between the first base film BF1 and the second base filmBF2. The sealing layer may seal the liquid crystal material filled inbetween the first base film BF1 and the second base film BF2.

The refractive index control layer LL is located to make contact (e.g.,physical contact) with the first inclination surface of the resin layerRL. An interface between the refractive index control layer LL and theresin layer RL is inclined at the first angle θ1 with respect to thefirst electrode TE1.

The refractive index of the refractive index control layer LL may bevaried depending on the electric field formed between the firstelectrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2.

When the electric field is not formed between the first electrode TE1and the second electrode TE2 (e.g., the turned-off state), the liquidcrystal molecules LCM of the refractive index control layer LL may bealigned in a first state. The refractive index control layer LL may havea first refractive index in the first state. As an example of thepresent disclosure, the first refractive index may have the same (e.g.,substantially the same) value as the reference refractive index.

When the electric field is formed between the first electrode TE1 andthe second electrode TE2 (e.g., the turned-on state), the liquid crystalmolecules LCM of the refractive index control layer LL may be aligned ina second state. The refractive index control layer LL may have a secondrefractive index in the second state. As an example of the presentdisclosure, the second refractive index may have a different value fromthe reference refractive index. As an example, the first refractiveindex may be about 1.49, and the second refractive index may be about1.80. Magnitudes of the reference refractive index and the firstrefractive index and the second refractive index should not beparticularly limited under the condition that the reference refractiveindex and the first refractive index are equal to each other and thereference refractive index and the second refractive index are differentfrom each other.

As shown in FIG. 4A, when the dynamic prism module AP is in theturned-off state, the refractive index control layer LL has the firstrefractive index that is equal to the reference refractive index due tothe liquid crystal molecules LCM aligned in the first state.Accordingly, the first image IM_(A) provided from the display module DDis provided to the reflective mirror RM without being refracted eventhough the first image IM_(A) passes through the dynamic prism moduleAP.

As shown in FIG. 4B, when the dynamic prism module AP is in theturned-on state, the liquid crystal molecules LCM are aligned in thesecond state, and thus, the refractive index of the refractive indexcontrol layer LL is varied. For example, the refractive index controllayer LL has the second refractive index different from the referencerefractive index. Due to a difference between the reference refractiveindex and the second refractive index, the second image IM_(B) providedfrom the display module DD is provided to the reflective mirror RM afterbeing refracted by the dynamic prism module AP.

Accordingly, the position where the first image IM_(A) is provided tothe reflective mirror RM is different from the position where the secondimage IM_(B) is provided to the reflective mirror RM. In this case, anangle at which the second image IM_(B) is refracted by the dynamic prismmodule AP may be defined as a second angle θ2.

The second angle θ2 may be determined by the difference between thereference refractive index and the second refractive index and the firstangle θ1.

The second angle θ2 may be determined by the following Equation.

${\theta \; 2} = {{\sin^{- 1}\left( {\frac{n\; 0}{n\; 2} \times {\sin \left( {\theta \; 1} \right)}} \right)} - {\theta \; 1}}$

In Equation, “n0” denotes the reference refractive index, “n2” denotesthe second refractive index, and “θ1” and “θ2” denote the first angleand the second angle, respectively.

In some embodiments, a direction in which the second image IM_(B)travels may be changed by a difference in refractive index between thelens LM (refer to FIG. 2) and the dynamic prism module AP and adifference in refractive index between an exit surface of the lens LMand an air layer. Therefore, the refractive index of the lens LM may actas a variable to determine the first angle θ1 in addition to the secondrefractive index of the refractive index control layer LL and thereference refractive index.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an operation of the augmented reality providingdevice according to the turned-off state of the dynamic prism moduleshown in FIG. 4A, and FIG. 6 is a view showing an operation of theaugmented reality providing device according to the turned-on state ofthe dynamic prism module shown in FIG. 4B. FIG. 7A is a waveform diagramshowing an operation of the display module and the dynamic prism module,and FIG. 7B is a view showing an image perceived by the user accordingto the operation of the display module and the dynamic prism module.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 7A, and 7B, the display module DD may displaythe first image IM_(A) and the second image IM_(B) during one frame 1Fin which the image is displayed. In more detail, the first image IM_(A)is displayed during a first period (T1 Period) of the one frame 1F, andthe second image IM_(B) is displayed during a second period (T2 Period)of the one frame 1F. In the present exemplary embodiment, the firstimage IM_(A) may be defined as a first portion of the image that is tobe provided to the user, and the second image IM_(B) may be defined as asecond portion of the image that is to be provided to the user.

The first image IM_(A) and the second image IM_(B) may include portionsoverlapping with each other in the image, however, they should not belimited thereto or thereby. For example, the first image IM_(A) and thesecond image IM_(B) may not overlap with each other.

The dynamic prism module AP may operate in synchronization with thedisplay module DD. In more detail, the dynamic prism module AP is turnedoff during the first period (T1 Period) of the display module DD. Thedynamic prism module AP provides the first image IM_(A) to thereflective mirror RM during the first period (T1 Period) withoutrefracting the first image IM_(A). Meanwhile, the dynamic prism moduleAP is turned on during the second period (T2 Period) of the displaymodule DD. The dynamic prism module AP refracts the second image IM_(B)and provides the refracted second image IM_(B) to the reflective mirrorRM during the second period (T2 Period).

The direction in which the first image IM_(A) is incident into theuser's eye HE and the direction in which the second image IM_(B) isincident into the user's eye HE become different depending on the on/offoperation of the dynamic prism module AP. The first image IM_(A) isprojected onto the first position P1 of the retina of the user's eye HE,and the second image IM_(B) is projected onto the second position P2 ofthe retina of the user's eye HE.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7B, the user may perceive one imageobtained by merging the first image IM_(A) and the second image IM_(B),which are incident to the user's eye HE with a time difference, as thevirtual image.

A size of the field of view FOV of the user, in which the userrecognizes, may increase as compare with a size of the display area IDAin which the first image IM_(A) and the second image IM_(B) aresequentially displayed on the display module DD. Thus, the augmentedreality providing device ARD1 may increase the size of the field of viewFOV of the user without increasing the width of the display module DD,the width of the lens LM, and the number of the reflective mirrors RM.

In FIGS. 1 to 6, 7A, and 7B, only two states in which the dynamic prismmodule AP is turned on or off have been shown, however, the presentdisclosure should not be limited thereto or thereby. For example, thedynamic prism module AP may further include an intermediate statebetween the turned-off state and the turned-on state. The refractiveindex control layer LL may have a refractive index between the referencerefractive index and the second refractive index in the intermediatestate.

As described above, in the case where the dynamic prism module AP hasthe three states, the display module DD may divide the one frame 1F intothree sections. The display module DD may display different images everysection.

FIG. 8A is a plan view showing the display module and the dynamic prismmodule shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 8B is a circuit diagram of a pixel shown inFIG. 8A, and FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view showing a display panelaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8C, the display module DD includes the displaypanel DP. The display panel DP includes a display area DA and anon-display area NDA when viewed in a plan view. In the presentexemplary embodiment, the non-display area NDA is defined along an edgeof the display area DA.

The display panel DP includes a driving circuit GDC, a plurality ofsignal lines (e.g., scan lines GL, data lines DL, and a power line PL)and a plurality of pixels PX. The pixels PX are arranged in the displayarea DA. Each of the pixels PX includes an organic light emitting diodeOLED and a pixel driving circuit PDC coupled to the organic lightemitting diode OLED. The driving circuit GDC, the signal lines (e.g.,the scan lines GL, the data lines DL, and the power line PL), and thepixel driving circuit PDC may be included in a circuit element layerDP-CL shown in FIG. 8C.

The driving circuit GDC includes a shift register. The shift registerincludes a plurality of stages, each of which generates a plurality ofscan signals, and sequentially outputs the scan signals to a pluralityof scan lines GL described below. As another example, the drivingcircuit GDC may further output another control signal to the pixeldriving circuit PDC.

The driving circuit GDC may include a plurality of transistors formedthrough the same process as the pixel driving circuit PDC, e.g., anamorphous silicon process, a low temperature polycrystalline silicon(LTPS) process, a low temperature polycrystalline oxide (LTPO) process,or an oxide semiconductor process.

The plurality of signal lines include the scan lines GL, the data linesDL, and the power line PL. Each of the scan lines GL is coupled to acorresponding pixel PX among the pixels PX, and each of the data linesDL is coupled to a corresponding pixel PX among the pixels PX. The powerline PL is coupled to the pixels PX.

The display module DD includes a first circuit board FCB1 coupled to thedisplay panel DP and a driving chip D-IC mounted on the first circuitboard FCB1. The first circuit board FCB1 is coupled to a main circuitboard MCB. In some embodiments, a plurality of passive elements and aplurality of active elements may be mounted on the main circuit boardMCB. The first circuit board FCB1 and the main circuit board MCB may bea flexible circuit board.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a chip-on-film (COF) structure inwhich the driving chip D-IC is mounted on the first circuit board FCB1is shown, however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby. Forexample, the display module DD may have a chip-on-panel (COP) structurein which the driving chip D-IC is mounted on the display panel DP.

The dynamic prism module AP may include an active area AA and anon-active area NAA defined therein when viewed in a plan view. In thepresent exemplary embodiment, the active area AA may be defined as anarea corresponding to the display area DA of the display module DD.

The first electrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2 (refer to FIG. 3),the resin layer RL (refer to FIG. 3), and the refractive index controllayer LL (refer to FIG. 3) are in the active area AA of the dynamicprism module AP, and thus, the active area AA of the dynamic prismmodule AP may vary the refractive index of the image incident thereto.Signal lines used to apply signals to the first electrode TE1 and thesecond electrode TE2 are in the non-active area NAA, and the non-activearea NAA is located around the active area AA in which the variation ofthe refractive index substantially occurs.

The dynamic prism module AP may further include a second circuit boardFCB2 attached to one of the first base film BF1 and the second base filmBF2 (refer to FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the second circuit boardFCB2 may be electrically and physically coupled to the main circuitboard MCB of the display module DD. The main circuit board MCB may applysignals synchronized with the display module DD to the second circuitboard FCB2. A driving circuit used to drive the first electrode TE1 andthe second electrode TE2 may be mounted on the second circuit boardFCB2.

FIG. 8B shows the pixel PX coupled to one scan line GL, one data lineDL, and the power line PL as a representative example. A configurationof the pixel PX may be changed without being limited thereto or thereby.

The organic light emitting diode OLED may be a front surface lightemitting type (or kind of) diode or a rear surface light emitting type(or kind of) diode. The pixel PX includes a first transistor T1 (or a“switching transistor”), a second transistor T2 (or a “drivingtransistor”), and a capacitor Cst as the pixel driving circuit PDC todrive the organic light emitting diode OLED. A first power voltage ELVDDis applied to the second transistor T2, and a second power voltage ELVSSis applied to the organic light emitting diode OLED. The second powervoltage ELVSS may be lower than the first power voltage ELVDD.

The first transistor T1 outputs a data signal applied thereto throughthe data line DL in response to a scan signal applied thereto throughthe scan line GL. The capacitor Cst is charged with a voltagecorresponding to the data signal provided from the first transistor T1.

The second transistor T2 is coupled to the organic light emitting diodeOLED. The second transistor T2 controls a driving current flowingthrough the organic light emitting diode OLED in response to an amountof electric charge charged in the capacitor Cst. The organic lightemitting diode OLED emits a light during a turned-on period of thesecond transistor T2.

FIG. 8B shows a structure in which the pixel driving circuit PDCincludes two transistors (e.g., the first transistor T1 and the secondtransistor T2) and one capacitor Cst, however, the configuration of thepixel driving circuit PDC should not be limited thereto or thereby.

As shown in FIG. 8C, in the display panel DP according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure, the circuit element layer DP-CL, adisplay element layer DP-OLED, and a thin film encapsulation layer TFEare sequentially stacked on a base layer SUB.

The circuit element layer DP-CL includes at least one inorganic layer,at least one organic layer, and a circuit element. The circuit elementlayer DP-CL includes a buffer layer BFL that is the inorganic layer, afirst intermediate inorganic layer 10, a second intermediate inorganiclayer 20, and an intermediate organic layer 30 that is the organiclayer.

The inorganic layers may include silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride,and silicon oxide. The organic layer may be at least one of anacrylic-based resin, a methacrylic-based resin, a polyisoprene-basedresin, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-basedresin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, apolyimide-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-basedresin. The circuit element includes conductive patterns and/orsemiconductor patterns.

The buffer layer BFL improves a coupling force between the base layerSUB and the conductive patterns or the semiconductor patterns. In someembodiments, a barrier layer may be further on the upper surface of thebase layer SUB to prevent or reduce the entrance of foreign substances.The buffer layer BFL and the barrier layer may be selectively includedor omitted.

A semiconductor pattern OSP1 (hereinafter, referred to as a “firstsemiconductor pattern”) of the first transistor T1 and a semiconductorpattern OSP2 (hereinafter, referred to as a “second semiconductorpattern”) of the second transistor T2 are on the buffer layer BFL. Thefirst semiconductor pattern OSP1 and the second semiconductor patternOSP2 may be selected from amorphous silicon, polysilicon, and metaloxide semiconductor.

The first intermediate inorganic layer 10 is on the first semiconductorpattern OSP1 and the second semiconductor pattern OSP2. A controlelectrode GE1 (hereinafter, referred to as a “first control electrode”)of the first transistor T1 and a control electrode GE2 (hereinafter,referred to as a “second control electrode”) of the second transistor T2are on the first intermediate inorganic layer 10. The first controlelectrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 may be formed throughthe same photolithography process as the scan lines GL (refer to FIG.8B).

The second intermediate inorganic layer 20 is on the first intermediateinorganic layer 10 to cover the first control electrode GE1 and thesecond control electrode GE2. An input electrode DE1 (hereinafter,referred to as a “first input electrode”) and an output electrode SE1(hereinafter, referred to as a “first output electrode”) of the firsttransistor T1 and an input electrode DE2 (hereinafter, referred to as a“second input electrode”) and an output electrode SE2 (hereinafter,referred to as a “second output electrode”) of the second transistor T2are on the second intermediate inorganic layer 20.

The first input electrode DE1 and the first output electrode SE1 arecoupled to the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 respectively through afirst contact hole CH1 and a second contact hole CH2, which are definedthrough the first intermediate inorganic layer 10 and the secondintermediate inorganic layer 20. The second input electrode DE2 and thesecond output electrode SE2 are coupled to the second semiconductorpattern OSP2 respectively through a third contact hole CH3 and a fourthcontact hole CH4, which are defined through the first intermediateinorganic layer 10 and the second intermediate inorganic layer 20.Meanwhile, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, aportion of the first transistor T1 and the second transistor T2 may bechanged to a bottom gate structure.

The intermediate organic layer 30 is on the second intermediateinorganic layer 20 to cover the first input electrode DE1, the secondinput electrode DE2, the first output electrode SE1, and the secondoutput electrode SE2. The intermediate organic layer 30 may provide aflat surface.

The display element layer DP-OLED is on the intermediate organic layer30. The display element layer DP-OLED includes a pixel definition layerPDL and an organic light emitting diode OLED. The pixel definition layerPDL includes an organic material as the intermediate organic layer 30. Afirst electrode AE is on the intermediate organic layer 30. The firstelectrode AE is coupled to the second output electrode SE2 through afifth contact hole CH5 defined through the intermediate organic layer30. An opening OP is defined through the pixel definition layer PDL. Atleast a portion of the first electrode AE is exposed through the openingOP of the pixel definition layer PDL.

The pixel PX is in a pixel area when viewed in a plan view. The pixelarea includes a light emitting area PXA and a non-light emitting areaNPXA located adjacent to the light emitting area PXA. The non-lightemitting area NPXA surrounds the light emitting area PXA. In the presentexemplary embodiment, the light emitting area PXA is defined tocorrespond to a portion of the first electrode AE exposed through theopening OP.

A hole control layer HCL may be commonly located in the light emittingarea PXA and the non-light emitting area NPXA. In some embodiments, acommon layer like the hole control layer HCL may be commonly formed overthe plural pixels PX (refer to FIG. 8B).

A light emitting layer EML may be on the hole control layer HCL. Thelight emitting layer EML may be in an area corresponding to the openingOP. For example, the light emitting layer EML may be formed in each ofthe pixels PX after being divided into plural portions. The lightemitting layer EML may include an organic material and/or an inorganicmaterial. In the present exemplary embodiment, the light emitting layerEML is patterned, however, the light emitting layer EML may be commonlylocated over the pixels PX. In this case, the light emitting layer EMLmay emit a white light. In addition, the light emitting layer EML mayhave a multi-layer structure.

An electron control layer ECL is on the light emitting layer EML. Insome embodiments, the electron control layer ECL may be commonly formedover the pixels PX (refer to FIG. 8B).

A second electrode CE is on the electron control layer ECL. The secondelectrode CE is commonly located over the pixels PX.

The thin film encapsulation layer TFE is on the second electrode CE. Thethin film encapsulation layer TFE is commonly located over the pixelsPX. In the present exemplary embodiment, the thin film encapsulationlayer TFE directly covers the second electrode CE. In an exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure, a capping layer may be furtherbetween the thin film encapsulation layer TFE and the second electrodeCE to cover the second electrode CE. In this case, the thin filmencapsulation layer TFE may directly cover the capping layer.

FIG. 8C shows an example of the display panel, and the display panel DPshould not be limited to the structure of FIG. 8C.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a dynamic prism moduleaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, the dynamic prism module according to anotherexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pluralityof dynamic prism areas (e.g., a first dynamic prism area SAP1, a seconddynamic prism area SAP2, a third dynamic prism area SAP3, and a fourthdynamic prism area SAP4).

FIG. 9 shows a structure in which the dynamic prism module is dividedinto four dynamic prism areas (e.g., the first dynamic prism area SAP1,the second dynamic prism area SAP2, the third dynamic prism area SAP3,and the fourth dynamic prism area SAP4), however, the number of thedynamic prism areas (e.g., the first dynamic prism area SAP1, the seconddynamic prism area SAP2, the third dynamic prism area SAP3, and thefourth dynamic prism area SAP4) should not be limited to four.

A resin layer according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure may include a plurality of sub-resin layers (e.g., a firstsub-resin layer SRL1, a second sub-resin layer SRL2, a third sub-resinlayer SRL3, and a fourth sub-resin layer SRL4). The sub-resin layers(e.g., the first sub-resin layer SRL1, the second sub-resin layer SRL2,the third sub-resin layer SRL3, and the fourth sub-resin layer SRL4) maybe located to correspond to the first dynamic prism area SAP1, thesecond dynamic prism area SAP2, the third dynamic prism area SAP3, andthe fourth dynamic prism area SAP4, respectively.

Each of the sub-resin layers (e.g., the first sub-resin layer SRL1, thesecond sub-resin layer SRL2, the third sub-resin layer SRL3, and thefourth sub-resin layer SRL4) may include an acrylic-based polymermaterial. Each of the sub-resin layers (e.g., the first sub-resin layerSRL1, the second sub-resin layer SRL2, the third sub-resin layer SRL3,and the fourth sub-resin layer SRL4) may include polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA) or polycarbonate (PC).

The sub-resin layers (e.g., the first sub-resin layer SRL1, the secondsub-resin layer SRL2, the third sub-resin layer SRL3, and the fourthsub-resin layer SRL4) may have the same (e.g., substantially the same)refractive index as each other. Each of the sub-resin layers (e.g., thefirst sub-resin layer SRL1, the second sub-resin layer SRL2, the thirdsub-resin layer SRL3, and the fourth sub-resin layer SRL4) may have areference refractive index. For example, the reference refractive indexmay be about 1.49.

The sub-resin layers (e.g., the first sub-resin layer SRL1, the secondsub-resin layer SRL2, the third sub-resin layer SRL3, and the fourthsub-resin layer SRL4) may be on a first electrode TE1. Each of thesub-resin layers (e.g., the first sub-resin layer SRL1, the secondsub-resin layer SRL2, the third sub-resin layer SRL3, and the fourthsub-resin layer SRL4) may include an inclination surface inclined at afirst angle with respect to the first electrode TE1.

A refractive index control layer includes a plurality of sub-controllayer (e.g., a first sub-control layer SLL1, a second sub-control layerSLL2, a third sub-control layer SLL3, and a fourth sub-control layerSLL4) located to correspond to the sub-resin layers (e.g., the firstsub-resin layer SRL1, the second sub-resin layer SRL2, the thirdsub-resin layer SRL3, and the fourth sub-resin layer SRL4),respectively.

Each of the sub-control layers (e.g., the first sub-control layer SLL1,the second sub-control layer SLL2, the third sub-control layer SLL3, andthe fourth sub-control layer SLL4) may include a material having arefractive index anisotropy. As an example of the present disclosure,each of the sub-control layers (e.g., the first sub-control layer SLL1,the second sub-control layer SLL2, the third sub-control layer SLL3, andthe fourth sub-control layer SLL4) may be a liquid crystal layerincluding liquid crystal molecules LCM.

Each of the sub-control layers (e.g., the first sub-control layer SLL1,the second sub-control layer SLL2, the third sub-control layer SLL3, andthe fourth sub-control layer SLL4) may be between a correspondingsub-resin layer among the sub-resin layers (e.g., the first sub-resinlayer SRL1, the second sub-resin layer SRL2, the third sub-resin layerSRL3, and the fourth sub-resin layer SRL4) and a second electrode TE2. Afirst base film BF1 on which the first electrode TE1 and the sub-resinlayers (e.g., the first sub-resin layer SRL1, the second sub-resin layerSRL2, the third sub-resin layer SRL3, and the fourth sub-resin layerSRL4) are formed and a second base film BF2 on which the secondelectrode TE2 is formed may be coupled to each other such that the firstelectrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2 face each other. Thesub-control layers (e.g., the first sub-control layer SLL1, the secondsub-control layer SLL2, the third sub-control layer SLL3, and the fourthsub-control layer SLL4) may be formed by injecting a liquid crystalmaterial into between the first base film BF1 and the second base filmBF2.

Each of the sub-control layers (e.g., the first sub-control layer SLL1,the second sub-control layer SLL2, the third sub-control layer SLL3, andthe fourth sub-control layer SLL4) is located to make contact (e.g.,physical contact) with the inclination surface of the correspondingsub-resin layer among the sub-resin layers (e.g., selected from thefirst sub-resin layer SRL1, the second sub-resin layer SRL2, the thirdsub-resin layer SRL3, and the fourth sub-resin layer SRL4). Accordingly,an interface between each of the sub-control layers (e.g., the firstsub-control layer SLL1, the second sub-control layer SLL2, the thirdsub-control layer SLL3, and the fourth sub-control layer SLL4) and thecorresponding sub-resin layer among the sub-resin layers (e.g., selectedfrom the first sub-resin layer SRL1, the second sub-resin layer SRL2,the third sub-resin layer SRL3, and the fourth sub-resin layer SRL4) maybe inclined at a first angle with respect to the first electrode TE1.

The first angle may have a constant value for each of the first dynamicprism area SAP1, the second dynamic prism area SAP2, the third dynamicprism area SAP3, and the fourth dynamic prism area SAP4, however, itshould not be limited thereto or thereby. The first angle may have adifferent value for each of the first dynamic prism area SAP1, thesecond dynamic prism area SAP2, the third dynamic prism area SAP3, andthe fourth dynamic prism area SAP4.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a dynamic prism moduleaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, in the a dynamic prism module according to anotherexemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a first electrode mayinclude a plurality of sub-electrodes (e.g., a first sub-electrode STE1,a second sub-electrode STE2, a third sub-electrode STE3, and a fourthsub-electrode STE4) located to respectively correspond to the firstdynamic prism area SAP1, the second dynamic prism area SAP2, the thirddynamic prism area SAP3, and the fourth dynamic prism area SAP4). Aplurality of sub-resin layers (e.g., a first sub-resin layer SRL1, asecond sub-resin layer SRL2, a third sub-resin layer SRL3, and a fourthsub-resin layer SRL4) may be on the sub-electrodes located torespectively correspond to the sub-electrodes (e.g., the firstsub-electrode STE1, the second sub-electrode STE2, the thirdsub-electrode STE3, and the fourth sub-electrode STE4).

The sub-electrodes (e.g., the first sub-electrode STE1, the secondsub-electrode STE2, the third sub-electrode STE3, and the fourthsub-electrode STE4) may receive the same driving voltage. During aturned-off period of the dynamic prism module, the sub-electrodes (e.g.,the first sub-electrode STE1, the second sub-electrode STE2, the thirdsub-electrode STE3, and the fourth sub-electrode STE4) may receive thedriving voltage. The driving voltage may be substantially the same as areference voltage applied to a second electrode TE2.

The sub-electrodes (e.g., the first sub-electrode STE1, the secondsub-electrode STE2, the third sub-electrode STE3, and the fourthsub-electrode STE4) may receive different driving voltages from eachother. During a turned-on period of the dynamic prism module, thesub-electrodes (e.g., the first sub-electrode STE1, the secondsub-electrode STE2, the third sub-electrode STE3, and the fourthsub-electrode STE4) may receive respective driving voltages. Therespective driving voltages may have different voltage levels and mayhave a voltage level different from the reference voltage applied to thesecond electrode TE2.

As described above, when the sub-electrodes (e.g., the firstsub-electrode STE1, the second sub-electrode STE2, the thirdsub-electrode STE3, and the fourth sub-electrode STE4) receive therespective driving voltages, the first dynamic prism area SAP1, thesecond dynamic prism area SAP2, the third dynamic prism area SAP3, andthe fourth dynamic prism area SAP4 may have different refractive indicesin the turned-on state. When the levels of the respective drivingvoltages are different from each other, an intensity of the electricfield formed in each of the first dynamic prism area SAP1, the seconddynamic prism area SAP2, the third dynamic prism area SAP3, and thefourth dynamic prism area SAP4 is changed. When the intensity of theelectric field becomes different, the alignment of the liquid crystalmolecules is changed. Accordingly, the refractive indices of therespective dynamic prism areas (e.g., the first dynamic prism area SAP1,the second dynamic prism area SAP2, the third dynamic prism area SAP3,and the fourth dynamic prism area SAP4) may be different from eachother. For example, the refractive index may be controlled for each ofthe first dynamic prism area SAP1, the second dynamic prism area SAP2,the third dynamic prism area SAP3, and the fourth dynamic prism areaSAP4 by dividing the first electrode into the sub-electrodes (e.g., thefirst sub-electrode STE1, the second sub-electrode STE2, the thirdsub-electrode STE3, and the fourth sub-electrode STE4).

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a dynamic prism moduleaccording to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG. 12A is a view showing a turned-off state of the dynamic prismmodule shown in FIG. 11, and FIG. 12B is a view showing a turned-onstate of the dynamic prism module shown in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 12B, the dynamic prism module APP according toanother exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a firstelectrode TE1, a second electrode TE2, a variable polarizer layer VPL, aresin layer RL, and a refractive index control layer LL.

The first electrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2 are located to faceeach other, and the variable polarization layer VPL is between the firstelectrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2. A polarizing property of thevariable polarization layer VPL may be dynamically varied by an electricfield formed between the first electrode TE1 and the second electrodeTE2.

The dynamic prism module APP further includes a first base film BF1, asecond base film BF2, and a third base film BF3.

The first electrode TE1 is on one surface of the first base film BF1,and the second electrode TE2 is on one surface of the second base filmBF2. The first base film BF1 and the second base film BF2 are located toallow the first electrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2 to face eachother.

Voltages may be applied to the first electrode TE1 and the secondelectrode TE2, respectively. When the same voltage is applied to thefirst electrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2, no electric field isformed between the first electrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2, andthe dynamic prism module APP is in a turned-off state. On the contrary,when different voltages are respectively applied to the first electrodeTE1 and the second electrode TE2, the electric field is formed betweenthe first electrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2. The state in whichthe electric field is formed may be defined as a turned-on state of thedynamic prism module APP.

The variable polarizer layer VPL may include a polarizing material thatvaries a polarizing property of a light incident thereto in response tothe electric field formed between the first electrode TE1 and the secondelectrode TE2. As an example of the present disclosure, the polarizingmaterial may be a liquid crystal material. In the turned-off state inwhich the electric field is not formed between the first electrode TE1and the second electrode TE2, the variable polarizer layer VPL maypolarize the light incident thereto to a first polarizing state. In theturned-on state in which the electric field is formed between the firstelectrode TE1 and the second electrode TE2, the variable polarizer layerVPL may polarize the light incident thereto to a second polarizingstate.

The display module DD may periodically provide different images. In moredetail, the display module DD may display first image IM_(A) and thesecond image IM_(B) during one frame. According to another embodiment,the dynamic prism module APP may be turned on or off in synchronizationwith the display module DD (refer to FIG. 1). In more detail, thedynamic prism module APP may receive the first image IM_(A) from thedisplay module DD during the turned-off period and may receive thesecond image IM_(B) from the display module DD during the turned-onperiod.

Accordingly, the light incident into the variable polarizer layer VPLduring the turned-off period may include the first image IM_(A), and thelight incident into the variable polarizer layer VPL during theturned-on period may include the second image IM_(B).

The resin layer RL and the refractive index control layer LL may bebetween the second base film BF2 and the third base film BF3. The resinlayer RL may include an acrylic-based polymer layer. As an example, theresin layer RL may include polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) orpolycarbonate (PC). The resin layer RL may have a reference refractiveindex. The resin layer RL may include a surface (hereinafter, referredto as a “first inclination surface”) inclined with respect to an uppersurface of the first electrode TE1. The first inclination surface may beinclined at a first angle θ1 with respect to a lower surface of thesecond base film BF2.

The refractive index control layer LL may be on the resin layer RL. Therefractive index control layer LL may include a material having arefractive index anisotropy. As an example of the present disclosure,the refractive index control layer LL may be a liquid crystal layerincluding liquid crystal molecules LCM. The refractive index controllayer LL may be between the resin layer RL and the third base film BF3.

The refractive index control layer LL is located to make contact (e.g.,physical contact) with the first inclination surface of the resin layerRL. An interface between the refractive index control layer LL and theresin layer RL is inclined at the first angle θ1 with respect to thelower surface of the second base film BF2. The refractive index controllayer LL may have substantially the same refractive index as the resinlayer RL.

As shown in FIG. 12A, when the dynamic prism module APP is in theturned-off state, the variable polarizer layer VPL may polarize thelight incident thereto to the first polarizing state. As an example ofthe present disclosure, the first polarizing state may be one of acircularly-polarized state or linearly-polarized state. The lightpolarized to the first polarizing state is incident into the refractiveindex control layer LL. The light polarized to the first polarizingstate experiences that the refractive index control layer LL and theresin layer RL have substantially the same refractive index as eachother. Thus, the light polarized to the first polarizing state maytravel without being refracted while passing through the interfacebetween the refractive index control layer LL and the resin layer RL.

As shown in FIG. 12B, when the dynamic prism module APP is in theturned-on state, the variable polarizer layer VPL may polarize the lightincident thereto to the second polarizing state. As an example of thepresent disclosure, the second polarizing state may be one of acircularly-polarized state or linearly-polarized state. The lightpolarized to the second polarizing state is incident into the refractiveindex control layer LL. The light polarized to the second polarizingstate experiences the difference in refractive indices between therefractive index control layer LL and the resin layer RL. Thus, thelight polarized to the second polarizing state is refracted at a secondangle θ2 while passing through the interface between the refractiveindex control layer LL and the resin layer RL.

The second angle θ2 may be determined based on the difference inrefractive index between the refractive index control layer LL and theresin layer RL experienced by the light polarized to the secondpolarizing state and the first angle θ1.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an augmented reality providingdevice ARD2 according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the augmentedreality providing device ARD2 shown in FIG. 13.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the augmented reality providing deviceARD2 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosuremay further include a light collecting member CL.

The light collecting member CL may receive an image from a displaymodule DD and may collect the received image. The light collectingmember CL may be between the display module DD and a dynamic prismmodule AP. The light collecting member CL may include a convex lensconvex toward the display module DD.

The display module DD may include a display area EDA1 through which theimage is displayed. The image displayed through the display area EDA1may be collected by the light collecting member CL and may be providedto a lens LM. The dynamic prism module AP may be between the lightcollecting member CL and the lens LM. Because the dynamic prism moduleAP has the structure shown in FIGS. 1 to 12B and operates on anoperation principle corresponding to the structure, and thus,duplicative description thereof will not be repeated here.

The image displayed through the display area EDA1 may be provided to areflective mirror RM after being collected by the light collectingmember CL. A size of the display area EDA1 providing the image to thereflective mirror RM may vary depending on the presence or absence ofthe light collecting member CL.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, when assuming that the display area IDA ofthe display module DD has a first size in a case where there is no lightcollecting member CL, the display area EDA1 of the display module DD hasa size larger than the first size when there is the light collectingmember CL. For example, when the light collecting member CL is provided,the size of the display area EDA1 providing the image to the reflectivemirror RM may increase. Because the image is provided to the reflectivemirror RM from the relatively larger display area EDA1 in the displaymodule DD, the field of view (FOV) may be enlarged.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show the structure in which the light collecting memberCL is between the display module DD and the dynamic prism module AP,however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby. As another exampleof the present disclosure, the light collecting member CL may be betweenthe dynamic prism module AP and the lens LM.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an augmented reality providingdevice ARD3 according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the augmentedreality providing device ARD3 shown in FIG. 15.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the augmented reality providing deviceARD3 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosuremay include a flexible display module FDD. The flexible display moduleFDD may be an organic light emitting display device.

The flexible display module FDD may have a structure curved in onedirection. In more detail, the flexible display module FDD may have thestructure in which a display surface on which the image is displayed isconcavely curved. The display surface may be a surface facing one sidesurface of a lens LM.

A dynamic prism module AP is between the flexible display module FDD andthe lens LM. The dynamic prism module AP has the structure shown inFIGS. 1 to 12B and operates on an operation principle corresponding tothe structure, and thus, duplicative description thereof will not berepeated here.

The image output from the flexible display module FDD may be provided toa reflective mirror RM after passing through the dynamic prism moduleAP. The flexible display module FDD may have a refractive index thatvaries depending on a distance between the reflective mirror RM and theflexible display module FDD.

In the case where the flexible display module FDD is curved, a size of adisplay area EDA2 providing the image to the reflective mirror RM mayincrease. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 15, when assuming thatthe display area IDA of the display module DD has a first size in a casewhere the display module DD is flat, the display area EDA2 of thedisplay module FDD has a size larger than the first size when theflexible display module FDD is curved. Accordingly, because the image isprovided to the reflective mirror RM from the relatively wider displayarea EDA2 when the curved flexible display module FDD is used, the fieldof view (FOV) may be enlarged.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show the structure in which only the flexible displaymodule FDD is curved, however, the dynamic prism module AP may be curvedalong the flexible display module FDD. As another example of the presentdisclosure, the lens LM may have a shape whose side surface facing theflexible display module FDD is curved along the flexible display moduleFDD.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an augmented reality providingdevice ARD4 according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 17, a lens LM may include a plurality of reflectivemirrors RM in the augmented reality providing device ARD4 according toanother exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The reflectivemirrors RM may reflect images provided from a plurality of display areasIDA of a display module DD, respectively.

FIG. 17 shows a structure in which the display areas IDA partiallyoverlap with each other as a representative example, however, theyshould not be limited thereto or thereby. For example, the display areasIDA may not overlap with each other.

The reflective mirrors RM may be arranged in a longitudinal direction ofthe display module DD, and in this case, the field of view (FOV) may beenlarged in the longitudinal direction of the display module DD.

In some embodiments, the reflective mirrors RM may be arranged in awidth direction of the display module DD. In this case, the field ofview (FOV) may be enlarged in the width direction of the display moduleDD.

However, in the case where the dynamic prism module AP and the dynamicprism module APP shown in FIGS. 1 to 12B are used, the augmented realityproviding device ARD1 has an effect of increasing the field of view(FOV) in the width direction of the display module DD. Accordingly, whenthe dynamic prism module AP and the dynamic prism module APP accordingto the present disclosure are used, the field of view (FOV) may beenlarged without increasing the size of the display module DD in thewidth direction or the thickness of the lens LM in the width directionof the display module DD.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an augmented reality providingdevice ARD5 according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 18, a flexible display module FDD5 may be arrangedalong at least two side surfaces of a lens LM in the augmented realityproviding device ARD5 according to another exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The flexible display module FDD5 may have a shapefolded in a portion at which the two side surfaces make contact (e.g.,physical contact) with each other.

The flexible display module FDD5 may include a first display unit DU1corresponding to a first side surface of the lens LM and a seconddisplay unit DU2 corresponding to a second side surface of the lens LM.

The lens LM may include a first reflective mirror group RM-G1 thatreflects an image displayed through the first display unit DU1 and asecond reflective mirror group RM-G2 that reflects an image displayedthrough the second display unit DU2. The first reflective mirror groupRM-G1 may include a first reflective mirror RM1, a second reflectivemirror RM2, and a third reflective mirror RM3 that respectively reflectimages displayed through a first display area IDA1, a second displayarea IDA2, and a third display area IDA3 of the first display unit DU1.The second reflective mirror group RM-G2 may include a fourth reflectivemirror RM4 and a fifth reflective mirror RM5 that respectively reflectimages displayed through a fourth display area IDA4 and a fifth displayarea IDA5 of the second display unit DU2.

The augmented reality providing device ARD5 shown in FIG. 18 may includea dynamic prism module AP5 having a shape curved along the flexibledisplay module FDD5. The dynamic prism module AP5 may include a firstdynamic prism unit APU1 and a second dynamic prism unit APU2. The firstdynamic prism unit APU1 may be between the first side surface of thelens LM and the first display unit DU1, and the second dynamic prismunit APU2 may be between the second side surface of the lens LM and thesecond display unit DU2.

The first display unit DU1 and the second display unit DU2 may beconcurrently (e.g., simultaneously or substantially simultaneously)operated by one driving circuit or may be independently operated byrespectively having separate driving circuits. In the case where thefirst display unit DU1 and the second display unit DU2 are independentlyoperated, each of the first dynamic prism unit APU1 and the seconddynamic prism unit APU2 may operate in synchronization with acorresponding display unit.

The structure and operation principle of each of the first dynamic prismunit APU1 and the second dynamic prism unit APU2 are substantially thesame as those of the dynamic prism module AP and the dynamic prismmodule APP shown in FIGS. 1 to 12B, and thus, duplicative descriptionthereof will not be repeated here.

In the case where the first dynamic prism unit APU1 and the seconddynamic prism unit APU2 are included, the augmented reality providingdevice ARD5 may have an effect of enlarging the field of view (FOV) eventhough the reflective mirrors are not further arranged in a widthdirection of the flexible display module FDD5. Accordingly, the field ofview (FOV) may be enlarged without increasing the size of the flexibledisplay module FDD in the width direction or the thickness of the lensLM in the width direction of the flexible display module FDD.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an augmented reality providingdevice ARD6 according to another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIG. 19, a flexible display module FDD6 may be arrangedalong at least three side surfaces of a lens LM in the augmented realityproviding device ARD6 according to another exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure. FIG. 19 shows the structure in which the flexibledisplay module FDD6 is located along the three side surfaces of the lensLM. In this case, the flexible display module FDD6 may have adouble-folded shape.

The flexible display module FDD6 includes a first display unit DU1, asecond display unit DU2, and a third display unit DU3. The first displayunit DU1, the second display unit DU2, and the third display unit DU3respectively correspond to a first side surface, a second side surface,and a third side surface of the lens LM. The first display unit DU1includes a first display area IDA1, a second display area IDA2, and athird display area IDA3, the second display unit DU2 includes a fourthdisplay area IDA4 and a fifth display area IDA5, and the third displayunit DU3 includes a sixth display area IDA6, a seventh display areaIDA7, and an eighth display area IDA8.

The lens LM may include a first reflective mirror group RM-G1, a secondreflective mirror group RM-G2, and a third reflective mirror groupRM-G3. The first reflective mirror group RM-G1 reflects an imagedisplayed through the first display unit DU1, the second reflectivemirror group RM-G2 reflects an image displayed through the seconddisplay unit DU2, and the third reflective mirror group RM-G3 reflectsan image displayed through the third display unit DU3.

The first reflective mirror group RM-G1 includes a first reflectivemirror RM1, a second reflective mirror RM2, and a third reflectivemirror RM3 to respectively reflect images of the first display areaIDA1, the second display area IDA2, and the third display area IDA3. Thesecond reflective mirror group RM-G2 includes a fourth reflective mirrorRM4 and a fifth reflective mirror RM5 to respectively reflect images ofthe fourth display area IDA4 and the fifth display area IDA5, and thethird reflective mirror group RM-G3 includes a sixth reflective mirrorRM6, a seventh reflective mirror RM7, and an eighth reflective mirrorRM8 to respectively reflect images of the sixth display area IDA6, theseventh display area IDA7, and the eighth display area IDA8.

The augmented reality providing device ARD6 shown in FIG. 19 may includea dynamic prism module AP6 having a shape curved along the flexibledisplay module FDD6. The dynamic prism module AP6 may include a firstdynamic prism unit APU1, a second dynamic prism unit APU2, and a thirddynamic prism unit APU3. The first dynamic prism unit APU1 may bebetween the first side surface of the lens LM and the first display unitDU1, and the second dynamic prism unit APU2 may be between the secondside surface of the lens LM and the second display unit DU2. The thirddynamic prism unit APU3 may be between the third side surface of thelens LM and the third display unit DU3.

The structure and operation principle of each of the first dynamic prismunit APU1, the second dynamic prism unit APU2, and the third dynamicprism unit APU3 are substantially the same as those of the dynamic prismmodule AP and the dynamic prism module APP shown in FIGS. 1 to 12B, andthus, duplicative description thereof will not be repeated here.

In the case where the first dynamic prism unit APU1, the second dynamicprism unit APU2, and the third dynamic prism unit APU3 are included, theaugmented reality providing device ARD6 may have an effect of enlargingthe field of view (FOV) even though the reflective mirrors are notfurther arranged in a width direction of the flexible display moduleFDD6. Accordingly, the field of view (FOV) may be enlarged withoutincreasing the size of the flexible display module FDD6 in the widthdirection or the thickness of the lens LM in the width direction of theflexible display module FDD6.

As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar termsare used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and areintended to account for the inherent deviations in measured orcalculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill inthe art. Further, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of thepresent disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.” As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” may beconsidered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and“utilized,” respectively. Also, the term “exemplary” is intended torefer to an example or illustration.

Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to include allsub-ranges of the same numerical precision subsumed within the recitedrange. For example, a range of “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include allsubranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1.0 andthe recited maximum value of 10.0, that is, having a minimum value equalto or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0,such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitationrecited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitationssubsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in thisspecification is intended to include all higher numerical limitationssubsumed therein. Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amendthis specification, including the claims, to expressly recite anysub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited herein.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed, it is understood that the present disclosure should not belimited to these exemplary embodiments, but various changes andmodifications can be made by one ordinary skilled in the art within thespirit and scope of the present disclosure as hereinafter claimed.

Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to anysingle embodiment described herein, and the scope of the presentdisclosure shall be determined according to the attached claims, andequivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical device comprising: a lens comprising a reflective mirror; a display module on at least one side surface of the lens and configured to display an image; and a dynamic prism module between the display module and the lens and configured to receive the image, the dynamic prism module being configured to be dynamically turned on or off to provide the image to different positions of the reflective mirror.
 2. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the dynamic prism module comprises: a first electrode; a second electrode facing the first electrode; a resin layer between the first electrode and the second electrode and having a reference refractive index; and a refractive index control layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, the refractive index control layer being configured to be turned on or off by an electric field formed between the first electrode and the second electrode to vary a refractive index thereof.
 3. The optical device of claim 2, wherein the resin layer comprises an inclination surface inclined at a first angle with respect to the first electrode.
 4. The optical device of claim 3, wherein the refractive index control layer comprises a refractive index anisotropy material.
 5. The optical device of claim 4, wherein the refractive index anisotropy material is a liquid crystal material.
 6. The optical device of claim 3, wherein the refractive index control layer has a first refractive index that is equal to the reference refractive index in a turned-off state and has a second refractive index that is different from the reference refractive index in a turned-on state.
 7. The optical device of claim 6, wherein, when the dynamic prism module is in the turned-off state, the image is provided to a first position of the reflective mirror without being refracted by the refractive index control layer, and when the dynamic prism module is in the turned-on state, the image is provided to a second position of the reflective mirror after being refracted at a second angle by the refractive index control layer.
 8. The optical device of claim 7, wherein the second angle is determined by a difference between the reference refractive index and the second refractive index and the first angle.
 9. The optical device of claim 2, wherein the dynamic prism module comprises a plurality of dynamic prism areas.
 10. The optical device of claim 9, wherein the resin layer comprises a plurality of sub-resin layers respectively corresponding to the dynamic prism areas, and the refractive index control layer comprises a plurality of sub-refractive index control layers respectively corresponding to the plurality of sub-resin layers.
 11. The optical device of claim 10, wherein the first electrode comprises a plurality of sub-electrodes located to respectively correspond to the plurality of sub-resin layers.
 12. The optical device of claim 10, wherein the sub-resin layers make contact with the sub-refractive index control layers to provide a plurality of interfaces to the dynamic prism areas, respectively.
 13. The optical device of claim 12, wherein angles between the first electrode and the interfaces are the same for each of the dynamic prism areas.
 14. The optical device of claim 12, wherein angles between the first electrode and the interfaces are different from each other for each of the dynamic prism areas.
 15. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the dynamic prism module is configured to be turned on or off in synchronization with the display module.
 16. The optical device of claim 15, wherein the display module is configured to display a first image during a first period of one frame and configured to display a second image during a second period of the one frame.
 17. The optical device of claim 16, wherein the dynamic prism module is configured to be turned off during the first period to provide the first image to a first position of the reflective mirror and configured to be turned on during the second period to provide the second image to a second position of the reflective mirror.
 18. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the dynamic prism module comprises: a first electrode; a second electrode facing the first electrode; a variable polarizer layer between the first electrode and the second electrode and having a polarizing state that is dynamically varied by an electric field formed between the first electrode and the second electrode; a resin layer between the second electrode and the lens and having a reference refractive index; and a refractive index control layer between the second electrode and the lens.
 19. The optical device of claim 18, wherein the resin layer comprises an inclination surface inclined at a first angle with respect to the first electrode.
 20. The optical device of claim 1, further comprising a light collecting member configured to receive the image from the display module and configured to collect the image.
 21. The optical device of claim 20, wherein the light collecting member is between the display module and the dynamic prism module.
 22. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the display module comprises an organic light emitting display device.
 23. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the display module comprises a flexible display module.
 24. The optical device of claim 23, wherein the flexible display module is on two or more side surfaces of the lens.
 25. The optical device of claim 24, wherein the flexible display module comprises two or more display units, and the two or more display units respectively correspond to two or more side surfaces of the lens.
 26. An optical device comprising: a lens comprising a reflective mirror; a flexible display module on at least one side surface of the lens, configured to display a first image during a first period, and configured to display a second image during a second period; and a dynamic prism module between the flexible display module and the lens, the dynamic prism module being configured to be turned off during the first period in synchronization with the flexible display module to provide the first image to a first position of the reflective mirror, and configured to be turned on during the second period to refract the second image and provide the second image to a second position of the reflective mirror.
 27. An augmented reality providing device comprising: a lens comprising a reflective mirror; a light emitting module on at least one side surface of the lens and configured to emit an image light; and a dynamic prism module between the display module and the lens and configured to receive the image, the dynamic prism module being configured to be dynamically turned on or off to provide the image to different positions of the reflective mirror. 